Ever since I can remember, I’ve been an avid reader and lover of both literature and writing. I valued how they opened infinite doors to understanding people and myself. I went to Yale University where I earned my B.A. in English. While there, I conducted literature research and was an editorial intern at Yale University Press. After graduating, I worked in content marketing at a tech startup in SF during the day and was a student of mental health at night. In my pursuit of understanding the mind, I assisted filmmakers in their family documentaries, served as a bilingual counselor at an Asian community mental health center, and trained to become a certified 200-hour yoga teacher and Tibetan yoga practitioner. All of my experiences have led me to understand how a healthy mind can learn and overcome anything. My journey has been made possible because of a quality education enriched by mentors full of knowledge and, most importantly, genuine care about my well-being.  

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Looking back, I realize how difficult and confusing our education can be. I grew up in the South Bay Area and attended a competitive private high school. I’m well-acquainted with the stress of our fast, competitive environment. But it doesn't have to be that way. I provide students the confidence and clarity they need to succeed and reach their potential--all while having fun. 

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My interest in tutoring and teaching started in high school. I tutored middle school students in math and English and TA'ed for my AP English. At Yale, I volunteered in a teaching program for middle school and high school students where I created a class to introduce them to war literature. More recently, I've mentored a group of high school students at a national college admissions counseling startup (alongside other graduates from competitive colleges) while tutoring K-12 students in math, history, and English at a local tutoring company. Pretty soon, I realized that Niko and I had a special attitude towards tutoring that truly helped students and parents: we become experts in not just the subjects we teach, but experts in the students' minds themselves. We built Joyful Mind Tutors to be creative in how we connect with students and support a healthier relationship to learning. We do this alongside parents/guardians and value real collaboration. 

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I bring a mindful, warm, and joyful approach in academic tutoring, standardized testing, or college applications without the unnecessary anxiety often present in our culture. I love learning the different ways each student experiences their education, so I can adapt my teaching approach to bring out the best in them. I help students turn pressure into fuel for growth; I provide both reassurance and challenges for them to go beyond what they think they can achieve. Most importantly, I help students not only realize their academic potential but also experience the bigger picture of learning with healthy habits: it brings a plethora of freedoms in life.

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When I’m in the mood to relax, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our two cats. I also practice meditation and yoga. And when I want to take a break from the charming allure of T.V., I  like to take long, lazy walks in nature.